1.
Solar thermal technologies can be used for water heating, space heating, space cooling and process heat generation.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Solar thermal technologies utilize the energy from the sun to heat water, provide space heating, cool spaces, and generate process heat. This is achieved through the use of solar collectors that absorb the sun's radiation and convert it into heat. The heat can then be used for various purposes such as heating water for domestic use, heating buildings, cooling spaces through absorption chillers, and providing heat for industrial processes. Therefore, the statement that solar thermal technologies can be used for water heating, space heating, space cooling, and process heat generation is true.
2.
MIT's Solar House #1, built in 1939, used seasonal thermal storage for year-round heating.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
MIT's Solar House #1, built in 1939, used seasonal thermal storage for year-round heating. This means that the house was designed to store thermal energy during the summer months and use it for heating during the winter months. This technology allowed the house to maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the year, making the statement true.
3.
What can be used to make saline or brackish water
potable? The first recorded instance of this was by 16th century Arab
alchemists. Individual still designs
include single-slope, double-slope (or greenhouse type), vertical,
conical, inverted absorber, multi-wick, and multiple effect. These
stills can operate in passive, active, or hybrid modes.
Correct Answer
B. Solar distillation
Explanation
Solar distillation can be used to make saline or brackish water potable. This process involves using the heat from the sun to evaporate the water, leaving behind the salts and impurities. The vapor then condenses and is collected as purified water. This method has been utilized since the 16th century by Arab alchemists and can be implemented using various still designs such as single-slope, double-slope, vertical, conical, inverted absorber, multi-wick, and multiple effect. Solar distillation can operate in passive, active, or hybrid modes.
4.
What is a concentrating technology employed by the Solar Kitchen in Auroville,
India, where a stationary spherical reflector focuses light along a
line perpendicular to the sphere's interior surface, and a computer
control system moves the receiver to intersect this line. Steam is
produced in the receiver at temperatures reaching 150 °C and then used
for process heat in the kitchen.
Correct Answer
C. Solar bowl
Explanation
The Solar Kitchen in Auroville, India uses a concentrating technology called a "solar bowl." This technology involves a stationary spherical reflector that focuses sunlight along a line perpendicular to the interior surface of the sphere. A computer control system then moves the receiver to intersect this line. The receiver produces steam at temperatures up to 150 °C, which is used for process heat in the kitchen. Therefore, the correct answer is "Solar bowl."
5.
Solar technology is capable of processing heat through which of the devices listed?
Correct Answer
D. Parabolic dish
Explanation
Solar technology is capable of processing heat through a parabolic dish. A parabolic dish is a device that uses mirrors to focus sunlight onto a single point, creating intense heat. This concentrated heat can then be used for various purposes such as generating electricity, heating water, or even cooking. The shape of the parabolic dish allows it to capture and concentrate sunlight effectively, making it an efficient device for processing heat using solar technology.
6.
Sunlight can be converted into electricity using photovoltaics (PV), concentrating solar power (CSP)
Correct Answer(s)
A. pHotovoltaics
C. Solar power
Explanation
Photovoltaics refers to the technology that converts sunlight into electricity using solar cells. Solar power, on the other hand, is the overall concept of harnessing the energy from the sun to generate electricity. Therefore, the correct answer suggests that photovoltaics is a specific technology within the broader category of solar power, which can convert sunlight into electricity.
7.
A solar cell, or ______ cell (PV), is a device that converts light into direct current using the photoelectric effect.
Correct Answer(s)
photovoltaic
Explanation
A solar cell, or photovoltaic cell (PV), is a device that converts light into direct current using the photoelectric effect. The term "photovoltaic" refers to the process of generating electricity from light, specifically by utilizing the properties of certain materials to create an electric current when exposed to photons. This term accurately describes the functioning of a solar cell, as it captures and converts sunlight into usable electrical energy.
8.
A ______ consists of a linear parabolic reflector that concentrates
light onto a receiver positioned along the reflector's focal line. The
reflector is made to follow the Sun during the daylight hours by
tracking along a single axis.
Correct Answer(s)
solar trough
Explanation
A solar trough is a type of solar concentrator that uses a linear parabolic reflector to concentrate sunlight onto a receiver positioned along the reflector's focal line. The reflector is designed to track the movement of the sun throughout the day along a single axis. This design allows for the maximum amount of sunlight to be captured and converted into usable energy.
9.
______, or "thermovoltaic" devices convert a temperature
difference between dissimilar materials into an electric current. First
proposed as a method to store solar energy by solar pioneer Mouchout in
the 1800s.
Correct Answer(s)
Thermoelectric
Explanation
Thermoelectric devices, also known as "thermovoltaic" devices, can convert a temperature difference between different materials into an electric current. This technology was first suggested by solar pioneer Mouchout in the 1800s as a way to store solar energy.